GM has reportedly elected to go ahead with production of the award winning Cadillac Converj concept electric vehicle, pictured here. The Converj will utilize the Volt powertrain and will like sport a body similar to concept. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

GM's electric future reportedly detailed at Nov. 2 meeting

The Cadillac Converj was first
unveiled as a concept at the 2009 North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Car enthusiasts who had been
largely wary of electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt, were
captivated by the sleek lines of the Converj, helping it to win
several awards for best concept vehicle.

Now The Detroit News has reportedly received
confirmation from GM officials that the Converj will be heading
to production. A production plan for the extended-range
electric vehicle was showcased at a recent November 2 meeting of the
automaker's board of directors according to the newspaper. The
plan did not set specific dates, but estimated that commercial
release would likely be a few years away.

With the decision to
produce, the Cadillac Converj will become the latest vehicle to
utilize the Volt's platform of EV technologies. A year after
the Volt hits street's, GM's German brand, Adam Opel GmbH (Opel),
will receive the
Ampera, which also utilizes the Volt platform. GM had
previously considered selling Opel to Canadian parts company Magna,
but the deal was called off on November 3 -- possibly based on a
decision at the same board of directors meeting.

One big fan
of the Cadillac Converj is GM's popular and controversial vice
chairman of creative design and public relations, Bob Lutz. Mr.
Lutz said in previous remarks that if the Converj is produced, it
will likely retain much of its attractive concept stylings. He
likened it to the Chevrolet Camaro's evolution from concept to
production, as opposed to the Volt, which represented a more radical
departure from its concept's stylings.

Dealers are reportedly
excited about the decision to produce the Converj, as the Cadillac
brand lacks hybrid cars, though it does have a hybrid Cadillac
Escalade SUV. A hybrid car would help it compete with Lexus,
which has an ever-expanding luxury hybrid lineup, complete with both
hybrid
sedans and SUVs. States Scott Allen, a dealer in
California, "A snazzy-looking little car like [the Converj]
would be cool."